Detective Dylan Scott thinks cruising well above the Arctic Circle in November is nothing short of madness. He has zero interest in seeing the elusive aurora borealis, but agrees to the Norwegian holiday to keep his wife and mother happy. At least the biggest problem he’ll have to deal with is boredom. But that boredom quickly dissipates when the unpleasant elderly woman in the neighboring cabin is found dead.

The story opens with our reluctant hero, Dylan Scott, having a late night run in with the irritable woman staying in the cabin next to his aboard the cruise ship, Midnight Sun. Much to his (and everyone else) surprise, the miserable old woman, Hanna Larsen, is found dead the next morning in her cabin. Everyone assumes it was her heart problems and the stress of traveling that caused her death, but Dylan’s inner private eye sees it differently, especially after he knows he heard someone leaving her cabin at 3:00 AM. Soon Dylan has a fairly long list of suspects and is determined to prove there is more going on than appears.

Once again, Ms. Wells offers a wonderful whodunit with the most lovable Dylan Scott. Dead Calm has all of the ingredients that make each of the full-length Dylan Scott Mysteries engrossing and exciting. Even in this shortened format, the mystery is packed with viable suspects, multiple points-of-view, and a few surprising twists.

I have really grown to love Dylan over the course of reading three (of four) of his stories. He is truly a likable guy – he’s an average “joe,” complete with his own flaws and bad habits. He is annoyed by his mother, doesn’t want to be on this trip, and is obsessed with a dead woman, yet we know he loves his family and does what he can to make them happy. I enjoy reading his point-of-view and seeing how he works out the mystery. I find that I am always trying to solve the case before he does. And while I may guess the correct suspect, there are always doubts planted so that I really am uncertain right up until the end.

For those who have not yet tried one of the Dylan Scott Mysteries, Dead Calm is a great taste of the author’s writing style in a novella-length story. It is offered as a stand alone book, or in a four-author anthology from Carina Press. Although each of the stories are completely stand alone, we do witness wonderful character development from book to book. I also enjoy watching Dylan and wife Bev go from separated to happy once again. SO – if you enjoy a great mystery coupled with stupendous characters and thrilling plots, I highly suggest starting at the beginning with Presumed Dead.

My Rating:

Enjoyed – strongly recommend (A-)

GIVEAWAY: Author Shirley Wells is graciously giving away one (1) one digital copy of Carina Press Presents Editor’s Choice Volume 2 and one (1) digital copy of her Dylan Scott mystery, Dead Calm. To enter, leave a comment telling us what is your favorite genre to read. You may leave your comment here or after her guest post HERE. Please leave your comments for Shirley by Tuesday July 10, 2012, at 10:00 PM EDT to be eligible for the contest. There will be two winners. One entry per person, the winners will be selected from eligible entries using random.org. Contest is open internationally; please leave your email address so the author can send you the book. Thank you to Shirley for this awesome giveaway!

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Happy Reading!

Jen Twimom

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About our reviews: The reviews posted here are the writer's own honest opinion of the book, not a judgement on the subject matter or author. We read for pleasure and at the request of authors and publishers. We do not receive compensation for our reviews, other than the copy of the book to read for the review. The source of the book is listed with each review. Please see our Disclosure Policy for more information.